Houthi Militants Release Video of Kidnapped ETERNITY C Crew Members
Kidnapped Crew of ETERNITY C Appears in Houthi Video
In a disturbing turn of events, crew members of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier ETERNITY C have surfaced in a propaganda video released by Houthi militants following their kidnapping. The ten sailors, who were captured after their ship was attacked and sank earlier this month, are seen thanking their captors and making statements that appear to be coerced. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the region.
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
The attack on the ETERNITY C occurred on July 7, approximately 50 nautical miles from Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The vessel was targeted using sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched from speed boats, resulting in the tragic deaths of four crew members during the initial assault. Following a second attack the next morning, the remaining crew members abandoned ship, jumping into the water as the vessel sank on July 9.
Maritime security sources indicate that a privately led rescue mission successfully saved ten crew members, including eight Filipinos, one Indian, and one Greek security guard. Remarkably, four of these survivors spent nearly 48 hours in the water before being rescued. However, five additional crew members are feared dead, and the video released by the Houthis suggests that another ten crew members remain in captivity.
In a televised statement, a Houthi military spokesperson claimed that the Yemeni navy had intervened to rescue some crew members and provide them with medical care. Meanwhile, Cosmoship Management, the operator of the ETERNITY C, confirmed they are actively working to verify reports of their crew members’ status and are arranging psychological support for those rescued.
Escalating Maritime Tensions
The ETERNITY C incident marks a significant escalation in maritime violence in the region, being the deadliest attack since the Houthi campaign began in November 2023. This attack follows the sinking of another vessel, the Magic Seas, which was also targeted by Houthi forces. Both ships were Liberian-flagged and operated by Greek companies, with previous shipping data indicating that sister vessels had made calls to Israeli ports, potentially making them targets in the ongoing conflict.
In light of these events, the Houthis have announced the reinstatement of the “fourth phase of the naval blockade” in the Red Sea. This phase involves targeting all ships associated with companies that engage with Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality. The loss of the Magic Seas and ETERNITY C marks the third and fourth vessels sunk since the Houthi campaign began, which has reportedly targeted over 100 ships in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
